Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyeon Ji Yeo, Soo-Yeon Lim, Chang Ha Park, Cha Young Kim, Ramaraj Sathasivam, Jae Kwang Kim, Sang Un Park
Summary: This study investigated the impact of UVB irradiation on the accumulation of metabolites and antioxidant ability in purple kohlrabi sprouts. The results showed that UVB treatment increased the levels of amino acids, sugars, sugar alcohols, TCA cycle intermediates, phenolic acids, and some fatty acids in the sprouts. Particularly, the levels of anthocyanins, known for their strong antioxidant properties, gradually increased after UVB treatment. Furthermore, the UVB-treated sprouts exhibited enhanced scavenging ability in the in vitro ABTS assay.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lan Chen, Fengming Chen, Tong Liu, Feng Feng, Wei Guo, Yuan Zhang, Xuesong Feng, Jin-Ming Lin, Feng Zhang
Summary: This study proposes a comprehensive method combining ion mobility mass spectrometry (IMS) and chemometrics to accurately identify biomarkers for cell interference by mycotoxins. The integration of UPLC-TOF-IMS and chemometrics provides a new approach for discovering lipid biomarkers and prognostic indicators for mycotoxins.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Zhi-Yuan Lu, Wei-Dan Jiang, Pei Wu, Yang Liu, Hong-Mei Ren, Xiao-Wan Jin, Sheng-Yao Kuang, Shu-Wei Li, Ling Tang, Lu Zhang, Hai-Feng Mi, Xiao-Qiu Zhou, Lin Feng
Summary: The study found that optimal levels of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) significantly improved the flesh quality of grass carp, enhancing tenderness, flavor, and reducing cooking loss, while also boosting antioxidant capacity. The mechanisms underlying the improvement in flesh quality by MOS involved reductions in lactate, cathepsin, and oxidative reactions, as well as regulation through NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathways.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liangyu Zhu, Yandong Zhang, Yongchun Li, Hua Wang, Guang Shen, Zhenyu Wang
Summary: Lingonberry extract contains various active ingredients that have strong inhibitory effects on the growth of liver cancer cells. It promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of the cancer cells by regulating the expression of CXCL3.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Liangyu Zhu, Yandong Zhang, Yongchun Li, Hua Wang, Guang Shen, Zhenyu Wang
Summary: Lingonberry extract has inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HepG2 cells, promoting apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle at G2/M and S phases. It inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells by regulating the expression of CXCL3.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wei Song, Ya-Ying Zhao, Yuan-Jing Ren, Lu-Lu Liu, Shu-Dong Wei, Hai-Bo Yang
Summary: This study isolated proanthocyanidins (PAs) from Photinia x fraseri leaves and found that PAs exhibited strong antityrosinase activity by chelating copper ions and disturbing o-quinone production. PAs are composed mainly of catechin and epicatechin, with oligomers as the main component. Additionally, PAs were shown to affect melanin production by downregulating MITF expression and inhibiting tyrosinase and TRP-1 activities, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of melanoma cells.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zicheng Huang, Shuai Guo, Zheng Guo, Yongjin He, Bilian Chen
Summary: A novel and environmentally friendly one-step extraction process for extracting phycobiliproteins and PUFAs from wet Porphyridium biomass has been developed and optimized using the TPP process. The results showed that the TPP process provided the best extraction performance and cost-effectiveness for extracting both phycobiliproteins and PUFAs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Isy F. de Sousa, Vincenzo Migliaccio, Marilena Lepretti, Gaetana Paolella, Ilaria Di Gregorio, Ivana Caputo, Eliane Beraldi Ribeiro, Lilla Lionetti
Summary: This study evaluated the dose- and time-dependent effects of oleate and palmitate on mitochondrial fusion/fission proteins, finding that oleate had minimal impact on protein content and maintained cell viability, while palmitate reduced protein content and cell viability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuai Zhang, Mei Deng, Ruifen Zhang, Xuchao Jia, Fei Huang, Dong Zhao, Lihong Dong, Jianwei Chi, Zhida Sun, Qin Ma, Mingwei Zhang
Summary: Black rice is a food rich in anthocyanins and dietary fiber, which has various health-promoting effects. The study investigated the modulating effect of insoluble dietary fiber from black rice on the fermentation of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in a human colonic model, as well as the possible microbiota-mediated mechanisms. The results showed that the combined fermentation of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and insoluble dietary fiber promoted the transformation of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside into phenolic compounds with stronger antioxidant activities, and increased the production of short-chain fatty acids. The addition of insoluble dietary fiber also modulated the microbiota structure, leading to the growth of bacteria that are positively correlated with metabolites of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, potentially regulating its microbial metabolism.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisca S. Teixeira, Ligia L. Pimentel, Susana S. M. P. Vidigal, Joao Azevedo-Silva, Manuela E. Pintado, Luis M. Rodriguez-Alcala
Summary: Lipid metabolism pathways play a crucial role in liver function, but the accumulation of lipids in hepatic cells can lead to steatosis, a growing pathology. This study investigated the accumulation of palmitic and linoleic fatty acids on hepatocytes and found that linoleic acid induced more reactive oxygen species (ROS) production compared to palmitic acid. Moreover, a lipid profile modification was observed after exposure to both fatty acids, highlighting the importance of balancing their concentrations to maintain normal levels of free fatty acids, cholesterol, and triglycerides in liver cells.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yineth Ruiz-Garcia, Carolina Beres, Davy W. H. Chavez, Danielle C. de S. Pereira, Manuela C. P. A. Santiago, Ronoel de O. Godoy, Flavia dos Santos Gomes, Rosemar Antoniassi, Renata Tonon, Lourdes M. C. Cabral
Summary: Grape skin extract from Alicante Bouschet contained high levels of anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavanols. After in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation, there was a decrease in anthocyanins and flavanols, but an increase in phenolic acids, particularly gallic acid. The antioxidant capacity also increased. The microbiota remained unchanged after 24 hours of colonic fermentation, but there was a significant increase in acetic acid. The bioaccessibility of phenolic acids significantly improved, indicating that grape skin extract can enhance the metabolic activity of the microbiota.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lele Yang, Jiliang Cao, Jinchao Wei, Jiagang Deng, Xiaotao Hou, Erwei Hao, Zhengcai Du, Liang Zou, Peng Li
Summary: The study revealed the mechanisms underlying the antiproliferative activity of berberine against HepG2 cells, involving apoptosis and cell cycle pathways, as well as mitochondrial-related apoptosis pathways. Additionally, the upregulation of AKAP12 by berberine was shown to mediate cell cycle arrest, providing a promising strategy for HCC treatment.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Afraz Ahmad Raja, Abdullahi Dandare, Muhammad Jawad Khan, Muhammad Jadoon Khan
Summary: This study investigates the impact of lipotoxicity on endothelial cells and identifies differentially expressed genes associated with processes such as mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. The findings provide insights for future experiments on the role of fatty acids in endothelial cell damage.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xiaogang Zhang, Parinya Noisa, Jirawat Yongsawatdigul
Summary: Nine novel peptides were isolated from tilapia hydrolysate, with LPGYF and SC showing the best ABTS.+ scavenging capacity. Peptides containing C and Y were more effective than ascorbic acid, while K-containing peptides exhibited lower antioxidant activity. These peptides demonstrated potent intracellular reactive oxygen species scavenging capabilities, and were able to upregulate the expression of antioxidant enzymes in cells, with PGY being identified as the most effective cellular antioxidant.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Asmaa Galal-Khallaf, Yahya S. Al-Awthan, Mohammed A. Al-Duais, Khaled Mohammed-Geba
Summary: This study aimed to explore the bioactive compounds and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities of the shell of the freshwater Nile crab. The results showed that the crab shell extract is rich in bioactive compounds and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ambra S. Parmagnani, Giuseppe Mannino, Carla Brillada, Mara Novero, Luca Dall'Osto, Massimo E. Maffei
Summary: The study evaluates the interaction between Two-Spotted Spider Mites (TSSMs) and their host Lima bean through analyzing leaf pigment metabolomics and TSSM guanine production transcriptomics. The researchers also examine the morphology and structure of TSSMs and their excreta using various microscopic techniques. Additionally, the photosynthetic ability of TSSMs and the activity and content of RubisCO are evaluated. The study reveals the genes involved in guanine production in TSSMs and demonstrates the catabolic activity of TSSMs on leaf chlorophyll and carotenoids. Furthermore, the potential acaricidal effect of decoyinine (DCY) against TSSMs is demonstrated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ambra S. Parmagnani, Nico Betterle, Giuseppe Mannino, Stefano D'Alessandro, Fabio F. Nocito, Kristina Ljumovic, Gianpiero Vigani, Matteo Ballottari, Massimo E. Maffei
Summary: Plants rely on Earth's magnetic field for photosynthesis and oxidative stress regulation. Near-null magnetic field conditions negatively affect Lima bean's photosynthesis and result in changes in leaf morphology, chloroplast structure, and biochemical parameters.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Filippo Bertocci, Giuseppe Mannino
Summary: Due to environmental and human factors, there is an increasing amount of agri-food waste globally. The European Commission aims to achieve a zero-waste policy by 2025 and is actively seeking alternative uses for avoidable waste. This review conducted a phylogenetic analysis to explore potential differences in the activity and structure of the key cholesterol metabolism enzyme HMGCR and combined a bibliometric analysis with visual and meta-analytical studies on 1047 scientific articles to investigate the impact of incorporating agro-food waste on pig growth performance and pork cholesterol levels. While there are some critical issues, overall data indicate a modern and positive interest in reusing agri-food waste as swine feed. However, further research is needed to address animal health and meat quality concerns.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosaria Scandiffio, Sara Bonzano, Erika Cottone, Sujata Shrestha, Simone Bossi, Silvia De Marchis, Massimo E. Maffei, Patrizia Bovolin
Summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease without approved pharmacological therapy. The study investigated the effects of (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a phytocannabinoid, on HepG2 steatotic hepatocytes. BCP was found to decrease lipid accumulation and change the lipid profile in steatotic conditions by reducing saturated fatty acids. The action of BCP was mediated by CB2 cannabinoid receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha), and gamma (PPAR gamma). The results suggest potential applications of BCP in the treatment of NAFLD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Mannino, Luca Pietro Casacci, Giorgia Bianco Dolino, Giuseppe Badolato, Massimo Emilio Maffei, Francesca Barbero
Summary: The geomagnetic field affects the foraging and orientation abilities of ants. Changes in the magnetic field increase the time it takes for ants to find food and return to the nest, and decrease the levels of brain biogenic amines, potentially impacting locomotion and chemical perception abilities. The regulation of genes related to magnetosensory complex is also influenced by the geomagnetic field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Correction
Plant Sciences
Junya Iida, Yoshitake Desaki, Kumiko Hata, Takuya Uemura, Ayano Yasuno, Monirul Islam, Massimo E. Maffei, Rika Ozawa, Tadaaki Nakajima, Ivan Galis, Gen-ichiro Arimura
Review
Entomology
Francesca Barbero, Giuseppe Mannino, Luca Pietro Casacci
Summary: Insects with highly structured societies rely on the coordination of individuals and the regulation of biogenic amines to achieve social behavior. This study reviews the potential role of biogenic amines in modulating insect social behavior, particularly in ants. It also provides an analysis of research trends and interests related to biogenic amines in social insects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Mannino, Ronja Kunz, Massimo E. Maffei
Summary: This study used a combination of chemical and molecular fingerprinting techniques to discriminate commercial green coffee accessions from different geographical origins. It was found that CC had higher content of polyphenols and flavonoids compared to CA. PCR-RFLP analysis was instrumental for the identification of recognition markers for different coffee accessions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ambra S. Parmagnani, Chidananda Nagamangala Kanchiswamy, Ivan A. Paponov, Simone Bossi, Mickael Malnoy, Massimo E. Maffei
Summary: The bacterial phytopathogen Erwinia amylovora produces volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) that enhance Arabidopsis thaliana growth. These mVOCs trigger early signaling events and modulate the expression of genes involved in plant growth and defense responses.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Barbero, Massimo E. Maffei
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Mannino, Graziella Serio, Raimondo Gaglio, Massimo E. Maffei, Luca Settanni, Vita Di Stefano, Carla Gentile
Summary: This study evaluated the metabolomic profile and explored the antioxidant properties, antiproliferative activity, and antimicrobial potential of Griffonia simplicifolia seed extracts. The results showed that methanol had superior extraction efficiency, while acetone and ethanol were effective solvents for flavonoid extraction. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was found to be effective in extracting N-containing compounds. The extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and antiproliferative activity, with variations observed among different extracts and cell lines. Griffonia simplicifolia extracts also showed antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The findings highlight the potential of Griffonia simplicifolia phytochemicals in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements.